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Head-to-head · Sega Master System Emulators

Nexen vs SMS Plus GX

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Nexen #7 in Sega Master System Emulators 8.0/10 Open source ✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Nexen
SMS Plus GX #8 in Sega Master System Emulators 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 5 features Visit Libretro

Nexen leads on 1 check, SMS Plus GX on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreNexen · 8.0/10
  • Free planonly SMS Plus GX
  • Most featuresSMS Plus GX · 2 of 5

Nexen scores higher on our rubric for sega master system emulators: 8.0 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #8.

Nexen offers netplay support; SMS Plus GX doesn't.

Nexen is the better fit for TAS and multiplayer-focused desktop users. SMS Plus GX is the better fit for android and Linux users wanting practical SMS tools.

  • Nexen fits best

    TAS and multiplayer-focused desktop users

  • SMS Plus GX fits best

    Android and Linux users wanting practical SMS tools

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Side by side

Feature Nexen 8.0/10 Visit ↗ SMS Plus GX 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.0 7.9
Ranking #7 in Sega Master System Emulators #8 in Sega Master System Emulators
Best for TAS and multiplayer-focused desktop users Android and Linux users wanting practical SMS tools
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Open source Free plan
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Mobile, Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Android, Linux
Support Community, Docs Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Nexen 1/5 · SMS Plus GX 2/5
Source available Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Built-in debugger Not checked yet Not checked yet
Netplay support ✓ (best) —
Cheat support Not checked yet ✓ (best)
BIOS required Not checked yet —
Specs
Supported platforms Not checked yet Android, Linux
Our review
Pros
  • Rollback netplay supports multiplayer across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Frame-by-frame TAS editing includes undo/redo and greenzone support.
  • Timestamped save states, debugger tools, shaders, and recording add depth.
  • Supports Sega Master System and Game Gear software
  • Includes save states, rewind, cheats, and controller remapping
  • Offers configurable hardware, region, and video filtering options
Cons
  • It is limited to Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop computers.
  • Its broad system coverage may exceed the needs of SMS-only users.
  • Several additional systems remain under development.
  • Requires a compatible libretro frontend such as RetroArch
  • Netplay is not supported
  • ColecoVision support is experimental and requires a separate BIOS
Our verdict

Nexen is an open-source multi-system emulator for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports Sega Master System and Game Gear alongside NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, PC Engine, WonderSwan, and Atari Lynx. That makes it a fit for…

Read the review →

SMS Plus GX is an open-source libretro emulator core for Sega Master System and Game Gear software, with experimental ColecoVision support. It suits Android and Linux users who want a free way to run supported retro cartridge image formats…

Read the review →
  1. NexenSega Master System Emulators 8.0Open source
  2. SMS Plus GXSega Master System Emulators 7.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Nexen — where it wins

    • Rollback netplay supports multiplayer across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
    • Frame-by-frame TAS editing includes undo/redo and greenzone support.
    • Timestamped save states, debugger tools, shaders, and recording add depth.

    Where it doesn't

    • It is limited to Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop computers.
    • Its broad system coverage may exceed the needs of SMS-only users.
    • Several additional systems remain under development.

  • SMS Plus GX — where it wins

    • Supports Sega Master System and Game Gear software
    • Includes save states, rewind, cheats, and controller remapping
    • Offers configurable hardware, region, and video filtering options

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires a compatible libretro frontend such as RetroArch
    • Netplay is not supported
    • ColecoVision support is experimental and requires a separate BIOS
  • Nexen8.0/10 · Open source

    A strong desktop choice for Sega Master System TAS work and rollback multiplayer.

    Visit NexenFull verdict →
  • SMS Plus GX7.9/10 · Free plan

    A free SMS and Game Gear core with flexible saves, controls, cheats, and video options.

    Visit LibretroFull verdict →

More comparisons

All sega master system emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update